NZPhotographer Issue 59, September 2022

Also in District One, you’ll find the best option for
360-degree views of the city in the Bitexco Financial
Tower. The Skydeck is on the 49th floor and has
immaculately clean glass, and, even better, using
a tripod is allowed! The $25 entry ticket includes wifi
and a bottle of water. The best time to come is just
before golden hour and then to wait as the city’s
lights come on. Use a wide to mid-range lens up
here and an anti-reflection lens hood or lens skirt
to stop those pesky glass reflections for your best
imagery.
Another photo outing is to take the Saigon Water
Bus upriver. The city is situated on the banks of the
Saigon River, which is a great way to see the city
and its many neighbourhoods and photograph
them from the water. You’ll pass under the new Thu
Thiem 2 Bridge and pass Landmark 81. Here you
can make a stop or continue on through Saigon’s
Northern districts. There is a photogenic spot just a
few hundred metres along the river near the water
bus terminal, which is a great place to shoot the
skyline when the city lights first come on.
Insider Tip:
The Thu Thiem 2 Bridge has stairs allowing you a great
vantage from where to shoot. You’ll find many young
locals here at sunset vying for Instagramable shots with
their friends. Your best lens is anything from a mid-focal
length to a telephoto in the 50mm to 200mm range. Of
course, you could shoot wide and crop in-post if you’re
not carrying additional lenses. Just be sure to pack your
tripod for a long exposure shot of the skyline.
DISTRICT FOUR
Saigon is divided into districts, and venturing out from
District One (D1) there are several districts that might
take your fancy, each one offering something a bit
different. In District Four (D4) you’ll find lots of street
food, the alleyways here resembling an older, more
traditional version of Saigon with lots of locals and side
streets (known as hems) full of food stalls, all great for
your photography. Put on your best walkabout lens with
a wide aperture for the disappearing light, and head
out at dusk to see this area at its best. Find your way to
Vinh Khanh Street for classic Vietnamese seafood and
all the hustle and bustle you can withstand.
A street-side cook focuses his attention on his craft.
Canon 6D Mk1, Canon 16-35mm F/2.8L III USM lens @ F3.2, 1/160s, ISO4000, 18mm
78 September 2022 NZPhotographer